My guess is the same as your suggestions. $7.8 MILLION down the plug last year would send shivers through the accountants at the Eels. They have to be a main contender. The Sharks went cap in hand to the bank in November for $1 M to cover wages and debts over Xmas but the footy club was only $500,000 in the red for the year. The Tiges have been constantly mentioned as having deep financial trouble but their move to the Sydney Football Stadium has put $600,000 into the coffers. The Panthers to me have the backing of some big dollars so I don't think it is them. We would be better placed than the first three of these clubs.

It would only take News Ltd to pull in its belt during a recession to cause even the Storm to quickly fold.

Being effectively a one city team in the second biggest population centre of Rugby League support (behind Sydney), only the Broncos are put-your-feet-up safe. And with Broncos owner, News Ltd, controlling the NRL don't hold your breath waiting for any competitor within Brisbane for the Broncos.